Mini Clubman JCW 2020 pricing and spec confirmed: 225kW/450Nm engine now available

Mini Australia has split its flagship Clubman John Cooper Works (JCW) into two grades, the $57,900 before on-road costs Pure and the $62,900 JCW, which both gain a new uprated 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

Now outputting 225kW of power and 450Nm of torque, the updated Clubman JCW gains a substantial 55kW/100Nm rise over the outgoing version’s powerplant.

The lift in performance is a result of a reinforced crankshaft drive, new pistons, increased flow rate and new exhaust system, while the mechanically related Countryman JCW SUV also gains the same uprated engine.

Drive is sent to all four wheels via a new shift-by-wire eight-speed automatic transmission, which – thanks to a launch control function – results in a zero-to-100km/h dash in 4.9 seconds for the Clubman and 5.1s for the heavier Countryman.

Fuel economy for both Clubman JCW grades is pegged at 7.7 litres per 100km, while the Countryman JCW is slightly thirstier at 7.9L/100km.

However, the engine upgrade comes at a cost, with the new JCW Pure and JCW up $1000 and $6000 over the outgoing $56,900 flagship Clubman.

Similarly, the Countryman JCW also steps up $6000 in price to $65,900.

Differentiating the new Clubman JCW from its predecessor is a new bumper, front grille and splitter, while LED headlights and daytime running lights are also updated.

From the rear, the tail-lights now sport Mini’s unique ‘Union Jack’ motif, as well as a new rear bumper.

Standard equipment in the Clubman JCW Pure includes fitted with 18-inch wheels, an 8.8-inch multimedia screen, adaptive suspension, Dinamica/leather interior and blacked-out head- and tail-light surrounds.

A mechanical limited-slip differential, 360/330mm front/rear disc brakes and lowered ride height also add to the Clubman JCW Pure’s sporty character.

Stepping up to the Clubman JCW, buyers gain sports suspension, leather upholstery, head-up display, 12-speaker sound system and heated front seats.

The Countryman JCW shares the same specification, but features adaptive suspension.

Elsewhere, the Clubman and Countryman Cooper S grades also gain an upgraded seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing eight-speed torque converter unit, while the new Countryman Cooper receives a seven-speed shifter, up one cog from its predecessor.

Like its JCW sibling, the Clubman Cooper S – priced at $45,900 (no change) – also gains an 8.8-inch multimedia display, blacked out roof rails, and updated head- and tail-lights.

The new Clubman and Countryman line-up will land in Australian showrooms before year’s end.